BACK TO SCHOOL ALREADY HODGEPODGE!

     There are a number of school districts in the Granite State that have begun their school year. Traditionally, the school year did not start until after Labor Day. Therefore, Summer has come all too soon to a screeching halt for some. 
     Today being Wednesday means that it is time for another hodgepodge of questions. Thank you Joyce for another series of questions. 

1. It's National Waffle Day (August 24th)...what decision are you currently 'waffling over'? (or share one you've recently 'waffled over')

     I generally don't waffle. I look at the available facts and decide on the best course of action given the information at my disposal. I will make adjustments as necessary if new information comes to light but I don't waffle.

2. It's the middle of August, but I'm already seeing lots of autumn-related posts. Do you think we rush the seasons? If so, does that bother you? I saw (here) an end of summer bucket list that included-

make s'mores, read a new (or favorite) book in the park, eat something delicious and bad for you at a state fair, be a tourist for the day, have a pot luck picnic, book a last minute summer getaway, relax by or in the pool, take a hike to watch the sunset, have a day on the lake, try a new summer recipe

Which activities on the list might you squeeze in before summer officially comes to a close? 

     I think as a general observation we tend to rush through our lives. When we're kids we can't wait to grow up. When we grow up we can't wait to finish school. When we finish school we can't wait to start a family. When we start a family we can't wait until our kids are grown and beginning families of their own, etc. We often fail to stop and relish the seasons of our particular lives. We do the same thing about the meteorological seasons. Back in the 1960's the musical group The Grass Roots sang a song entitled "Let's Live for Today!" The Bible urges us to live today and to not worry about tomorrow. Good advice!
     As for the end of Summer bucket list, I don't have one.

3. Your favorite summertime 'art' found in nature?

     My favorite Summertime art are the panoramic views found in the Granite State. They are spectacular and shout out the magnificent variety that our Creator has made. God has mad skills!

4. Stephen R. Covey is quoted as saying 'We judge ourselves by our intentions, and others by their actions.' Agree or no? Do you define yourself based on your intentions, your actions, or something else? 

     I think there is some truth to this statement. I believe the reason we do that is because we often cannot and do not know "intentions." Weary to reverse engineer ones intentions from their actions. To come to know intentions we would have to possess the ability to read someone else's mind. However, we certainly know our own mind and therefore our own intentions. Therefore our actions are always in line with our intentions. The consequences of our actions may not be, but our actions always are.

5. Are you useful in a crisis? Elaborate. 

     I am useful in a crisis. I have spent the better part of my adult life bringing order to disorder as a police officer. I have been trained and have experience working in crisis environments. 

6. What's been your go-to dish this summer? Is it something you'll continue making as the seasons change?

     SWMBO and I love a nice garden salad. We will continue making this dish year round. Another favorite dish is Chinese Pie (AKA Shepherds Pie).

7. Adult coloring books are a thing now. Have you jumped on the bandwagon? If not is this something you think you might enjoy?

     SWMBO and I have both jumped onto the bandwagon. There are days when you just can't "adult" and so you climb into your tent fort and color.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

     Have you been watching the coverage of the floods in Louisiana? While watching  news report I wondered if most people are good decent people or are most people evil malicious people. 
     My theory is that most people are good decent people. Just look at the community affected by the floods. People are helping each other as they are able. Skin color or political affiliation have no relevance. People are stepping up to ease suffering and to begin the process of rebuilding. This reaction to massive suffering is not unique to Louisiana. You see it repeated worldwide.
     I suspect that the reason why we think that there are more evil malicious people than good decent people is that the evil malicious people get most of the press coverage. Evil sells papers, good does not. 
     Do your think that my theory is correct? Have a great Wednesday!